03/31/2015 MLB Note - Oakland Athletics Graveman, Kendall
RHP Kendall Graveman was all but unhittable during a dominant spring
training, earning a spot in the A's rotation. Graveman went 3-0 with
a 0.42 ERA in his first five starts with 11 strikeouts and just four
walks over 21 1/3 innings. Graveman, 24, relies primarily on a nasty
sinker and was a ground-ball machine in Arizona. Late last season,
he made five relief appearances for Toronto and had a ground out/fly
out ratio of 9 to 1. The A's acquired Graveman from the Blue Jays on
Nov. 28 along with 3B Brett Lawrie, LHP Sean Nolin and SS Franklin
Barreto for 3B Josh Donaldson.
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MLB Note - Oakland Athletics Semien, Marcus
SS Marcus Semien spent his first two major-league seasons as a
utility infielder for the Chicago White Sox, making 50 appearances
at third base, 29 at second and six at shortstop. This year, he'll
open the season as the A's starting shortstop and will get a chance
to establish himself in the major leagues at one position. Semien
has good power for a middle infielder -- he hit six home runs and
drove in 28 runs in 64 games last year. He hit two home runs and
four doubles in his first 19 spring training games for the A's. The
biggest question is whether Semien can be a solid defensive
shortstop, day in and day out, over a full season. He had a strong
spring training defensively, but the true test is yet to come.
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MLB Note - Oakland Athletics Reddick, Josh
RF Josh Reddick (strained right oblique) was injured March 6. He
returned to action March 29 in a minor league game but will open the
season on the disabled list. He is expected to play a rehab game
April 6 for Class A Stockton. He might miss only five games before
being activated.
Reddick had 32 home runs, 85 RBIs and 85 runs in 2012, his first
season with the A's, but he hasn't come close to matching those
numbers the past two years. Assorted injuries limited Reddick to 114
games in 2013 and 109 last season, but injuries alone can't account
for his dramatic slide in home runs. He had just 12 home runs in
2013 and 12 in 2014.
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MLB Note - Oakland Athletics Doolittle, Sean
LHP Sean Doolittle (strained left shoulder) played catch March 27
for the first time since being shut down in January. Doolittle, who
will open the season on the disabled list, said he felt no pain
after making 15 throws from 45 feet and 10 from 60 feet.
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MLB Note - Oakland Athletics Cook, Ryan
RHP Ryan Cook, who had been expected to be the A's right-handed
setup man, was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on March 24. Cook, a
2012 All-Star, had a 16.88 ERA in five relief appearances over 5 1/3
innings. He gave up 16 hits, 13 runs and 10 earned runs. Cook is
healthy, but he struggled mightily with his command and mechanics.
Opposing batters made him pay for his mistakes, hitting .533. "The
timing of it is to try to get him down there and get it worked out,"
A's manager Bob Melvin said. "We just feel like he needed a break
from this. Sometimes something like that can rejuvenate you. ... We
expect him to be back here. We really do. He's too good and too
talented not to be pitching for us."
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MLB Note - Oakland Athletics Clippard, Tyler
RHP Tyler Clippard will open the season as Oakland's closer, filling
in for injured RHP Sean Doolittle. The move was expected, but A's
manager Bob Melvin made it official March 27. "I like his mix of
pitches, his ability to attack hitters a little differently if he
needs to, and he's got experience," Melvin said. "Guys who are setup
guys, who come in with guys on base, a lot of times are doing the
toughest job. And he's been doing that successfully for quite a
while." Clippard, a two-time National League All-Star, came to the
A's from Washington in an offseason trade for SS Yunel Escobar.
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MLB Note - Oakland Athletics Crisp, Coco
OF Coco Crisp had a cortisone shot in his ailing right elbow March
24. He has had only a handful of at-bats during spring training, but
A's manager Bob Melvin said he's not worried. "It's all about him
being ready for Opening Day," Melvin said. "He's one of the guys I'm
not worried about getting 50-plus, 60 plate appearances. If we can
have him ready for Opening Day, that'll mean it's been a successful
spring for him." Crisp is scheduled to play in a minor-league game
March 31. There's still a chance he might have to go on the disabled
list and miss at least the first five games of the season.
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MLB Note - Oakland Athletics Zobrist, Ben
2B Ben Zobrist will likely be in right field the first few games,
filling in for the injured Josh Reddick.
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MLB Note - Oakland Athletics Alvarez, R.J.
RHP R.J. Alvarez, acquired along with RHP Jesse Hahn from San Diego
in the Derek Norris trade, gives the A's a power arm in their
bullpen. Manager Bob Melvin should find a way to take advantage of
Alvarez's mid-to-high 90s fastball. Last year, he had a 1.13 ERA in
10 relief appearances for the Padres, striking out nine batters over
eight innings.
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MLB Note - Oakland Athletics Chavez, Jesse
RHP Jesse Chavez, still a long shot to earn a spot in the rotation,
is expected to be the A's long reliever.
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MLB Note - Oakland Athletics Canha, Mark
INF/OF Mark Canha, a powerful right-handed hitter, should see
significant time at first base against left-handers. He hit .303
with 20 home runs and 82 RBIs last season for Triple-A New Orleans.
Canha can also play the corner outfield spots and has experience
playing third base.
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MLB Note - Oakland Athletics Phegley, Josh
C Josh Phegley is known most for his strong throwing arm and
defense, but he has also shown some offensive pop during spring
training. Phegley, a right-handed hitter, had seven doubles and two
homers through games of March 30. Last year, he hit .274 with 23
home runs in 107 games for Triple-A Charlotte. He's expected to
start most of Oakland's games against left-handed pitchers, sharing
time with returning catcher Stephen Vogt.
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MLB Note - Oakland Athletics Ladendorf, Tyler
INF/OF Tyler Ladendorf is likely to be on the Opening Night roster,
taking the spot that opened because of Josh Reddick's injury,
although OF Billy Burns is another possibility. Ladendorf's ability
to play multiple positions in the infield and outfield gives him the
edge. He also opened some eyes by hitting .288 with 12 RBIs in his
first with five doubles and a home run in his first 23 spring games.
Burns countered with a .403 average and a team-high 27 hits in his
first 23 games.
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MLB Note - Seattle Mariners Sanchez, Victor
RHP Victor Sanchez, a 20-year-old Venezuelan who was one of the
Mariners' top pitching prospects, passed away over the weekend from
injuries suffered in a February accident in his native country.
Sanchez suffered head injuries when a boat collided with him while
Sanchez was swimming in the ocean, and he spent several weeks
undergoing surgeries before his passing. He was 7-6 with a 4.19 ERA
at Double-A Jackson last season.
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MLB Note - Oakland Athletics Parker, Jarrod
RHP Jarrod Parker (Tommy John surgery in March 2014) threw to
hitters March 15 for the first time since his surgery. Barring a
setback, he should be able to return at midseason.
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MLB Note - Oakland Athletics Freiman, Nate
1B Nate Freiman (strained back) did not appear in a Cactus League
game March 4-30. He still hoped to be ready for Opening Day.
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MLB Note - Oakland Athletics Nolin, Sean
LHP Sean Nolin (sports hernia surgery in November 2014) threw his
first bullpen session March 15. He is unlikely to be ready for the
start of the season.
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MLB Note - Seattle Mariners Taylor, Chris
SS Chris Taylor (fractured right wrist) was hurt March 13. He will
begin the season on the disabled list, and he is expected to be out
until late April.
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MLB Note - Los Angeles Angels Richards, Garrett
RHP Garrett Richards (left knee surgery in August 2014) continues to
make progress as late March. He will open the season on the disabled
list, but he could be ready to join the rotation by mid-April.
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MLB Note - Los Angeles Angels Rasmus, Cory
RHP Cory Rasmus (abdominal surgery in March 2015) had a core muscle
repaired March 24. He will open the season on the disabled list, and
he isn't expected back until May at the earliest.
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MLB Note - Seattle Mariners Happ, J.A.
LHP J.A. Happ has struggled in the spring (1-2, 7.27 ERA) but should
be a part of the rotation because of his experience. Acquired from
Toronto for OF Michael Saunders, Happ was initially said to be one
of several starters battling for spots on the team, but he looks
like a virtual lock as rookies Taijuan Walker and Roenis Elias
battle for the fifth starter spot.
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MLB Note - Seattle Mariners Ramirez, Erasmo
RHP Erasmo Ramirez was a valuable fill-in on the Mariners' rotation
last season, but his time in Seattle appears to be over. Ramirez had
a rough spring, never factored into the battle for a spot in the
rotation, and he's out of options. The Mariners would love to trade
him but may end up having to designate Ramirez for assignment. He
was one of six starters among the 28 players on the roster after
Sunday's cuts, but that's only because the Mariners are trying to
see if they can get some compensation before letting him go.
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MLB Note - Seattle Mariners Weeks, Rickie
OF Rickie Weeks could end up seeing some time in the leadoff spot
this season. Veteran CF Austin Jackson is the main guy in that role,
but his struggles over the second half of last season and a need to
give Jackson some days off have left manager Lloyd McClendon looking
for other options. Weeks could get a few games in the leadoff role
while playing outfield, a position he hasn't played since his
freshman year of college.
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MLB Note - Seattle Mariners Rollins, David
LHP David Rollins was having such a great spring that he looked like
a virtual lock as the second lefty in Seattle's bullpen, but last
week's announcement that he violated the league's illegal substance
policy has put those plans on hold. Rollins, a 25-year-old Rule V
pick, is suspended for 80 games, meaning he won't be available until
midseason. That comes as a blow to a bullpen looking to replace
veteran LHP Joe Beimel. LHPs Tyler Olson and Edgar Olmos appear to
have the inside track on a spot in the bullpen now, although it's
not out of the question that Seattle could open the season with only
one southpaw reliever.
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MLB Note - Seattle Mariners Jackson, Austin
CF Austin Jackson provided a legitimate leadoff threat when the
veteran was added at the trade deadline, and his presence helped
Seattle's offense find its rhythm over the second half of 2014. But
Jackson was, in many ways, fortunate to be part of the renaissance.
His numbers fell off sharply after joining the Mariners (.273
batting average in Detroit, .229 in Seattle; .332 OBP versus .267)
and there are legitimate questions about whether his bat fits in at
Safeco Field.
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MLB Note - Seattle Mariners Zunino, Mike
C Mike Zunino wasn't drafted for his bat when the Mariners selected
him third overall in the 2012 draft, but he showed some unexpected
power and a knack for timely hits last season. What he didn't show
was any kind of consistency. The Mariners need Zunino to improve on
his .199 batting average if they want to get any kind of
contribution from the bottom of their batting order.
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MLB Note - Seattle Mariners Walker, Taijuan
RHP Taijuan Walker is only 22 years old, but it feels like he's been
on the verge of superstardom for years. He's been the organization's
top prospect since he was 19 years old and could finally be ready to
make an impact with the Mariners. After getting some seasoning over
eight starts with Seattle during 2013 and 2014, Walker looks like a
good bet to make the rotation out of spring training. The presence
of Felix Hernandez means Seattle won't be looking for Walker to be
an ace, but the Mariners will need their future phenom to be a
steady contributor if this rotation is going to thrive.
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MLB Note - Seattle Mariners Cruz, Nelson
DH/OF Nelson Cruz showed the power and offensive consistency during
spring training that the Mariners hope to see when the real games
begin
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MLB Note - Texas Rangers Rua, Ryan
LF Ryan Rua, 25, was one of the favorites to win the job in left,
and after a slow start he did just that with a fast finish. Rua, a
17th-round pick in 2011, hit at every level in 2014 and that
continued in his brief September stint with Texas. Rua batted .295
in 105 at-bats with the Rangers and capped a season in which he
totaled 20 home runs and 88 RBIs in a season that began for him with
a .300 average in 71 games in Double A.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2015/Mar/31/images/ads/current/brickey_lda_061314.png)
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MLB Note - Texas Rangers Odor, Rougned
2B Rougned Odor was supposed to spend 2014 in Double-A but instead
played in 114 games in the majors at 20, making him the youngest
player in the majors. Odor didn't just play either; he hit .259 and
showed power, swatting nine home runs and collecting 48 RBIs. The 15
homers he totaled, with six coming at Double-A, are a sign of what's
to come too. Odor showed more progress at the plate in the spring,
keeping his average over .400 throughout Cactus League play.
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[to top of second column] |
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MLB Note - Texas Rangers Lewis, Colby
RHP Colby Lewis was a huge surprise last year, winning 10 games and
making 29 starts after having hip replacement surgery in 2013. The
feel-good story overshadowed troubling numbers as Lewis had a 5.18
ERA, and opponents hit .304 against him. Lewis, 35, is 100 percent
healthy this season but his fastball velocity hovers in the high 80s
and his spring ERA for most of March was over 10.00.
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MLB Note - Texas Rangers Fielder, Prince
1B Prince Fielder is healthy and has shown the ability to hit
against this shift in spring training. Fielder even bunted once to
the left side to beat the shift. Fielder said he's open to trying to
go the other way to beat the shift.
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MLB Note - Texas Rangers Rua, Ryan
LF Ryan Rua certainly didn't back into the starting job in left
field this spring. The Rangers had as many as six legit candidates
for the starting job in left when camp opened, and Rua got off to a
slow start. But Rua won the job by doing what he's always done,
hitting. He had a nine-game hitting streak in camp and was among the
club leaders in RBIs.
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MLB Note - Texas Rangers Martin, Leonys
CF Leonys Martin has taken the idea of getting on base to heart.
Martin, who was the team's leadoff hitter when Shin-Soo Choo went
down to injury last season, was handed the role early in spring
training this season. Martin responded by getting on base in 10
consecutive games and he was one of the team leaders in walks with
five.
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MLB Note - Houston Astros Wojciechowski, Asher
RHP Asher Wojciechowski, 26, appeared on the brink of a roster
breakthrough last spring before a lat injury derailed those
aspirations. This spring he was healthy and performed splendidly
(1-0, 1.08 ERA over five appearances, including two starts), and
while he might not break camp with the club, he seems a sure bet to
make his big league debut if one of the Astros' starters breaks down
or backslides. For a franchise on the cusp of a bright future,
Wojciechowski represents a potential rotation anchor, albeit one on
the back end of that rotation. Whatever he contributes this season
will serve as a foundation for his future.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2015/Mar/31/images/ads/current/open_arms_lda_easter2015.png)
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MLB Note - Houston Astros Marisnick, Jake
CF Jake Marisnick doesn't project to be even an average hitter (ZIPS
predicts Marisnick to post an 81 wRC+ this season), but his
defensive acumen in center makes him a valuable asset for a team
searching for means to suppress runs. Marisnick saved 14 runs over
534 innings last season, and if he sticks as a regular, that total
will surely rise. While spring training stats should be taken with a
grain of salt, Marisnick did hit .303/.400/.485 through his final
weekend in the Grapefruit League. Should his bat develop, the Astros
would be elated.
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MLB Note - Houston Astros Gattis, Evan
LF/DH Evan Gattis certainly provides the Astros promise with his
thunderous bat, having slugged 43 home runs over two seasons and 783
plate appearances with the Atlanta Braves. However, his injury
history has been well documented, and while the Astros have already
decided to move him from behind the plate, it remains to be seen how
well Gattis will manage defensively in left field. Add to that the
challenge that comes with switching leagues, particularly one where
pitchers are accustomed to facing an additional hitter as opposed to
the opposing pitcher in the ninth spot, and Gattis is as good a bet
as any hitter to experience a slight decline in production.
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MLB Note - Houston Astros Villar, Jonathan
IF Jonathan Villar was batting .278/.381/.472 through the final full
weekend in the Grapefruit League and likely clinched a spot on the
25-man roster. This might represent his final chance to stick with
the Astros, who have tired of his immaturity and inconsistency.
Villar offers ample power and defensive potential, but he has yet to
realize either consistently. Perhaps a limited bench role will serve
him well in that it will limit expectations and allow Villar to grow
into his abundant talent.
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MLB Note - Houston Astros Rasmus, Colby
LF Colby Rasmus had a relatively quiet spring training
(.208/.441/.500 over his first 24 at-bats) but his role with the
Astros is crucial. If the club demotes 1B Jon Singleton and shifts
DH Chris Carter in that void, that leaves the door open for Evan
Gattis to serve as the designated hitter and for Rasmus to man left
field exclusively. Having signed just a one-year deal (for $8
million), Rasmus certainly has incentive to match the production of
his best seasons, 2010 with the St. Louis Cardinals and 2013 with
the Toronto Blue Jays, when he posted wRC+ of 130 and 129,
respectively.
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MLB Note - Houston Astros Keuchel, Dallas
LHP Dallas Keuchel appears a likely candidate for regression to the
mean, but his spring numbers suggest otherwise. Through his first
three appearances he posted a 1.93 ERA while limiting batters to a
.235 average. Keuchel has emerged as the staff ace following his
breakthrough 2014 campaign (12-9, 2.93 ERA with a league-leading
five complete games), yet there is some trepidation involved in
expecting a repeat. Given their lack of rotation depth, the Astros
need Keuchel to shine.
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MLB Note - Boston Red Sox Leon, Sandy
C Sandy Leon was acquired by the Red Sox from the Nationals in a
cash deal on March 30, and he might see one part of the replacement
brigade subbing for injured C Christian Vazquez. Leon, 26, played
parts of the past three seasons with Washington, hitting a combined
.189/.280/.253 with one homer and five RBIs in 34 games. This
spring, he hit .286/.318/.333 with no homers and three RBIs in 13
Grapefruit League games.
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MLB Note - Houston Astros Fields, Josh
RHP Josh Fields (right groin strain) was in danger of starting the
season on the disabled list. Fields, who was slowed earlier in
spring training with a sore left hamstring, did not throw off a
mound over the first week after sustaining the injury March 23.
Fields was considered a lock to make the roster, and the Astros were
poised to take their time working Fields back into form so that he
can be available for duty whenever he returns.
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MLB Note - Houston Astros Oberholtzer, Brett
LHP Brett Oberholtzer (lat strain) made his final Grapefruit League
start March 30 against the Toronto Blue Jays, allowing three homers
and five runs in 3 1/3 innings. He was due to make one more spring
training start April 4,
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MLB Note - Texas Rangers Harrison, Matt
LHP Matt Harrison (spinal fusion surgery in June 2014) hit all his
marks in spring training. There was still no timetable on a return
for Harrison, who is attempting to be the first player to pitch in
the majors after having the surgery.
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MLB Note - Texas Rangers Richardson, Antoan
OF Antoan Richardson (herniated disk surgery in March 2015) will
start the season on the disabled list. He will be out until at least
mid-May.
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MLB Note - Texas Rangers Darvish, Yu
RHP Yu Darvish (Tommy John surgery in March 2015) will start the
season the 60-day disabled list. He will begin rehabbing his elbow
in Arlington, Texas, in April, but he will miss the entire season.
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MLB Note - Texas Rangers Profar, Jurickson
2B Jurickson Profar (right labrum surgery in February 2015) went on
the 60-day disabled list Feb. 24. He is all but ruled out for the
entire 2015 season.
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MLB Note - Texas Rangers Perez, Martin
LHP Martin Perez (Tommy John surgery in May 2014) went on the 60-day
disabled list March 11. He was throwing off a mound as of March 30,
and he was on target to be a rotation candidate following the
All-Star break.
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MLB Note - Baltimore Orioles Hardy, J.J.
SS J.J. Hardy Hardy is headed to the disabled list. A strained
muscle in Hardy's left (non-throwing) shoulder caused the team to
shut him down Monday from baseball activities for a minimum of 10
days, a date that extends past the April 6 season opener against the
visiting Tampa Bay Rays.
In all goes well, Hardy could come off the DL as soon as April 11,
though it is uncertain if he will be back that quickly. In any case,
manager Buck Showalter is confident Hardy will be back in April.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2015/Mar/31/images/ads/current/american_legion_sda_2014.png)
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MLB Note - Chicago Cubs Bryant, Kris
3B Kris Bryant, who made a strong case to break camp with the major
league club by hitting nine home runs this spring, was reassigned to
minor league camp March 30. The 23-year-old Bryant led the minor
leagues with 43 homers last season. He will start the season at
Triple-A Iowa for more development.
By sending Bryant to the minors for a couple of weeks, the Cubs
likely will gain an extra year until he is eligible for free agency.
The team would have him under their control for seven years instead
of six. Scott Boras, Bryant's agent, questioned the Cubs'
"integrity" earlier this month when discussing the possibility of
the slugger starting the year in the minors. Commissioner Rob
Manfred said Boras should stay out the Cubs' business when it comes
to a decision on Bryant.
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MLB Note - St. Louis Cardinals Garcia, Jaime
LHP Jaime Garcia was placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive
to March 27 as he continues to rehab from thoracic outlet syndrome
surgery performed last July. The operation relieved nerve issues in
his arm, shoulder and hand.
Garcia was scratched from his start March 29 due to fatigue in his
left shoulder. He is expected to pitch in extended spring training
and rejoin the Cardinals after the season begins.
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MLB Note - St. Louis Cardinals Villanueva, Carlos
RHP Carlos Villanueva had his contract purchased by the Cubs on
March 30. Villanueva, 31, signed a minor league contract in
February, and the team had until March 31 to decide whether he would
make the 25-man roster. He reportedly will get a $2 million,
one-year contract and the chance to earn $500,000 in performance
bonuses. In nine major league seasons, Villanueva is 45-50 with a
4.26 ERA. He spent the past two seasons with the Chicago Cubs,
starting 20 games and going 12-15 with a 4.28 ERA. Through seven
games this spring, Villanueva was 0-2 with a 4.91 ERA. He had struck
out 11 and walked two in 11 innings.
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MLB Note - New York Mets Torres, Alex
LHP Alex Torres was acquired by the Mets from the Padres on March 30
in exchange for RHP Cory Mazzoni and an undetermined player. Torres,
27, has a 2.55 ERA while holding hitters to a .199 average in three
major league seasons. In 54 innings over 70 games with San Diego
last year, he tallied a 3.33 ERA. Torres will make $522,900 in 2015.
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MLB Note - San Diego Padres Mazzoni, Cory
RHP Cory Mazzoni was acquired by the Padres on March 30 along with a
player to be named in a deal that sent LHP Alex Torres to the Mets.
Mazzoni, 25, went 7-2 with a 4.68 ERA in a total of 14 starts for
four teams in the Mets' farm system last year. He has no major
league experience.
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MLB Note - Washington Nationals den Dekker, Matt
OF Matt den Dekker was acquired by Washington on March 30 in a deal
that sent LHP Jerry Blevins to the Mets. The Nationals are
short-handed in the outfield, with Denard Span, Nate McLouth and
Jayson Werth all injured, so den Dekker could end up starting on
Opening Day.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2015/Mar/31/images/ads/current/cia_2_lda_031115.png)
Den Dekker, a top-notch defender, hit .238 with one homer and 13
RBIs in 210 at-bats with the Mets the past two seasons. He was
expected to start the season at Triple-A for the Mets. "He adds
speed, adds a little bit of power," Nationals manager Matt Williams
said. "So he gives us a lot of options in that regard. Certainly the
need of the Mets for a left-handed pitcher was there, and den Dekker
gives us a lot of tools that he brings to the table."
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MLB Note - New York Mets Blevins, Jerry
LHP Jerry Blevins was acquired by the Mets on March 30 in a trade
that sent OF Matt den Dekker to the Nationals. After spending his
first seven seasons with the Oakland Athletics, Blevins posted a
4.87 ERA in 64 games for Washington last year. In his eight-year
career, he has a 3.58 ERA and left-handed batters have hit just .212
against him. Blevins, 31, will earn $2.4 million in 2015.
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MLB Note - Chicago Cubs Baez, Javier
INF Javier Baez was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on March 30, ending
his bid to be the Cubs' regular second baseman. Baez batted .173
with one homer and one RBI in 16 games this spring.
Baez, 22, hit 23 home runs last year at Triple-A Iowa and earned a
promotion to the Cubs. In 52 games he had nine homers and 20 RBIs
but also struck out 95 times, something the Cubs want reduced. End
of Part 1 - more to follow
[© 2015 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
Copyright 2015 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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